audiophool

My sled has over 210,000km on the original shocks/dampers (whichever terminology you prefer) and is getting decidedly wobbly and harsh on bumps. Still seems to damp big dips but the car feels unsettled on rough roads.

Looking at options on the AWD E60 as they're different from the RWD cars.

Current list includes:

OE (ZF/Sachs)
Bilstein B4/B6/B8
Koni has no application for the AWD.

Other options? Opinions on any/all of the above? Price appears similar for OE or BilIstein.

I do understand the B4 is supposed to be the same as OE ride, the B6 is a tad stiffer for use with stock springs, and the B8 is intended for use with lowering springs. I won't be changing springs and I don't mind a firmer ride. That said, with all the kms on the OE ones, I can't really say how it should ride. Maybe OE would be firm enough?

ripley

I put B8 + eibach springs on my 530d since it was pretty sloppy when I got it.

I was appalled at just how little resistance the OE dampers had left. I wasn't assuming they were bad when I changed them - just soft from the factory.

It may have been OK with new OE - but since they were gone in 40.000km I'm glad I went with an aftermarket damper.

audiophool

I'm leaning toward the B6 as I have no plans to lower the car. I've had Bilstein HD on cars before (I'm assuming thats what they're calling B6 now) and they always lift the car a little. Frankly I could use a tad bit of extra ground clearance on this car.

BTW, looked and KYB has no listing for this car either.

I'd describe the shock's current function as decent compression damping and little extension damping. When I hit a dip I feel like I'm going to lift off.

Buddy of mine once said the best way to find all the rattles in a BMW is to put Bilsteins on it. Funny then, funny now?

rice_rocket88

I love my godspeed coilovers.. so far it's grrreeat. Although If you're just looking for stock and think bumps are harsh on the 17" stock wheels I'd just stick with OEM. Bilsteins to me are a little stiffer, but offer better "performance". Compared to the roads out here in Boston I have no idea why you'd complain out in AB since it's like heaven to me whenever I go home to visit

audiophool

Perhaps "harsh" was a bad choice of words. Rather it hammers wildly on choppy bumps, making it skitter around, and rebounds with little control on large undulations/dips. Roads around here are usually quite good but we do get the odd pothole as freeze lets up. I ride 17" winter and 18" summer.

For contrast, the other day I followed a Chevy minivan home and her rear shocks were GONE. That thing flounced along madly and side-stepped when she hit a bump whilst cornering. Scary.